Ready or not (some of us are, some of us are not) this week Intelligentsia revisits the COVID era and the strange, surreal experience we all shared. From wiping down groceries to Zoom happy hours, sourdough starters, and an empty Times Square, we relive the lockdowns, viral TV moments, vaccine rollout, and pandemic trends before talking with friend of the pod Dr. Joe about the medical realities on the front lines. Plus, we unpack what permanently changed—from work and socializing to how we live our everyday lives.

Happy Election Day, Intelligentsia! In honor of the big day, we're spending the hour breaking down the history of America’s two-party system, from Hamilton and Jefferson to today’s gnarly political divide. We get into party realignments, third-party wild cards, political dynasties, celebrity endorsements. Plus, we make our cases: is the two-party system still working—or is it time for a new political playbook? Hear from Tara, Joey, and our surprise special guest and let us know who you align with!

It's Intelligentsia holiday episode week! From ancient Celtic rituals to Spirit Halloween taking over every vacant storefront, we’re diving into the history, nostalgia, and capitalist chaos of Halloween. Tara and Joey revisit childhood costumes, trick-or-treating, and the best Halloween movie, before getting into some real talk on haunted houses and fright night, slutty costumes, and the pressure to deliver a truly iconic look. Plus, we debate what actually counts as a Halloween movie. Spooky season, let's go!